Kapil Jangir Kaka, one of the standout bowlers of Balagi Group of Companies (BGC) Cricket Club, has expressed concerns over his recent dip in bowling efficiency in the ongoing Ghana Cricket Association Division One League.
The right-arm fast bowler started the season strong in Qualifier A, taking three wickets while conceding just nine runs in three overs (3.0-0-9-3) during BGC’s commanding eight-wicket victory against Supreme Cricket Club on December 8, 2024.
In that match, Kapil claimed his first wicket in the 7.3 over, clean bowling Supreme’s captain, Obed Harvey. Later in the same over, after conceding just one run, he dismissed Awudu Dramani on the 7.5 over, with wicketkeeper Joseph Theodore executing a brilliant catch to complete the dismissal. He returned in the 10th over, delivering a mix of dot balls and singles before removing Anero Dunadawe with another outstanding catch by Theodore.
His performance, boasting an impressive economy rate of 3.00, played a crucial role in restricting Supreme to 41 runs all out in 10.5 overs. BGC then comfortably chased down the target, scoring 43/2 in 9.1 overs to seal their first win of the league.
However, Kapil’s performance has since dipped. In BGC’s week 3 encounter against Evolve Paint CC on December 15, 2024, he managed only one wicket while conceding 27 runs in three overs. He dismissed Sanjay Pokhriyal in the 12.2 over but gave away six runs in that over. Despite taking a well-judged catch off Ashok Bhera, aiding his captain Devender Singh Malik in claiming his second wicket, BGC fell short as Evolve Paint chased down their 131/8 total with 132/5 in 15.2 overs, securing a five-wicket victory.
Kapil’s struggles continued in subsequent matches. Despite BGC bouncing back with an eight-wicket victory over Ras Binghi on December 29, 2024, he failed to take a wicket, recording figures of 3.0-0-11-0 and an economy rate of 3.67. Similarly, in their 47-run win against Bangla Tigers on January 19, 2025, he went wicketless again with identical figures of 3.0-0-11-0.
Most recently, in BGC’s week 9 clash against table leaders Rana Motors, Kapil took one wicket but conceded 23 runs in three overs. He bowled out Prasad Mohanty in the 18.3 over, but Rana Motors still managed to chase down BGC’s 125/10 in 19.2 overs, scoring 126/5 in 18.5 overs to claim a five-wicket victory.
Speaking briefly to TalksenseSports, Kapil admitted his lack of training has impacted his form.
“My lack of training is affecting my performance lately. I also have to travel from Kumasi to Accra and play without rest, which is taking a toll on me. Those in Accra have access to practice nets, which helps them. I hope to bounce back in our last two matches,” he stated.
Kapil currently sits 20th on the bowling charts, having taken just five wickets from five innings while conceding 81 runs. He holds an economy rate of 5.46 and an average of 16.2.
BGC will face Defenders in a crucial encounter on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 9 AM. The team, one of the oldest cricket clubs in Ghana, is in dire need of a victory, and Kapil will need to bring his A-game to help secure their fourth win. They will wrap up their single round-robin campaign with another tough fixture against Carel Super Kings.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
